There's something about playing Bristol Rovers that brings out, if not the best in Yeovil Town, then something not far off the best. We've faced the Gas in nine football league games now and won four, drawn four and lost just the once. If we could play them every week then promotion would be pretty much guaranteed at that level of success. Rovers' one solitary win came in last season's game at the Mem, when they beat by 3-0 a Glovers side shell-shocked by Russell Slade's dismissal two days earlier. That loss was well and truly avenged this weekend, a 2-1 scoreline memorable in particular for Terrell Forbes first football league goal in 370-odd games. The result leaves the Glovers in the dizzy heights of 12th position in the league table, on 18 points. That's six games unbeaten now and we really couldn't be going into one of the most difficult games of the season - Leeds, away - in better heart.

The other matter of any import this weekend was the 1st round FA Cup draw. As anyone reading this will now know, we were matched up with Oxford United, away. The U's are currently top of the Conference, or Blue Square Premier as it prefers to be called these days, and will doubtless be up for the cup as any self-respecting non-league team always is. There was a comment made on the green room which made I laugh, as we say in Zummerzet, and that was that Oxford were giving thanks for the postal strike, as half of their team would have extra time for training. Geddit? Non-league side comprised of postmen and the like... Oh, please yourselves.

Their fans have been understandably getting quite excited about playing a proper football league team anyway and have INVADED the green room just as I remember us doing when we were a Conference side and were drawn against the likes of Reading and Cardiff City in the 90's. Those were the days! Us internet warriors flooded the oppositions message boards and mailing lists, telling them how we'd be turning up in our thousands and that they shouldn't under-estimate us and how we were really good 30 years ago; and doubtless we were treated then with the same amused condescension that we are now exhibiting in our turn towards the Oxford fans. The wheel of life really does turn full circle in the end.

In all seriousness it's a nasty draw for us. As we know full well any team flying in the Conference will be a decent side and difficult to beat at the best of times. They'll have home advantage, a large-ish crowd behind them and no pressure, as they will officially be the underdogs. Added to that we don't as yet know if any or all of our loan signings will be allowed to play. Let's be honest, if our loanees are permitted to play then I'll be very confident of going through, even if it takes a replay. Without them, we might just struggle.

Just read: Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts. It's the supposedly true story of an Australian bank robber and heroin addict who ends up in India and his life there. I say supposedly because it honestly beggars belief that one man can pack so many experiences into one part of his life and even at 926 pages long there's still another book of memoirs to come next year. It's a wonderful story whatever, well-written and it certainly sounds authentic. Some of the descriptions of life in the Bombay slum have to be read to be believed and at one time it felt like I was reading a fantasy novel, such is the completely alien world the author describes. It is a real world though, and it's right here on this planet right now. As I said above, the book is 926 pages long and in small type at that, so it's not a book to be taken lightly; but I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone. It'll open your eyes.

I see no one has picked up on Taff's musical title.
Free: fantastic band/single, circa 1970-1. Lead singer, Paul Rodgers still going strong.
27/10/2009 21:52:49

StevieV said ...

As a Glovers supporter living in the Oxford area I thought it worthwhile updating you all a tad about what to expect at the Kas-stad in 10 days time. I'd expect at least 6000 Big Banana supporters, based on the fact that they got over 10,000 for a home match against Stevenage (remember them from Villa Park, back in the old day?), when they clashed earlier in the year. So it's going to be a real challenge - a bit like playing the Gas, but at a decent new stadium. They have quick lads up front banging in loads of goals, and even felt confident enough to part company with Yemi Odubade (another blast from the past) in the summer, despite him being their top scorer for the previous two years. The mid field, our back four and Alex M will be kept busy so it's going to be hard work. BUT Go Glovers go go go!!
27/10/2009 22:32:20

StevieV said ...

Terence failed to spot two songs really. Not just Free, but the the Strolling Rones with "Jumping Jack flash". Taff you clearly have good taste in music!!
28/10/2009 07:15:00

Taff said ...

I did wonder if anyone would pick up on the title, it is of course the chorus line from Jumping Jack Flash, though the 'All Right Now' is present, as well. And yes, Paul Rodgers has to be one of the best rock/blues singers this country has ever produced, a sensational, soulful voice. I'll have to start incorporating more bits from songs in the titles, see if anyone notices :) On that note, There's four other song titles in previous blogs listed below, three are obvious, one slightly more obscure - can anyone spot them?
28/10/2009 10:22:12

Badger said ...

Song titles in previous Blogs? Well obviously "Patience is a Virue" comes from your love of the Take That hit "Patience". "Happy Days Are Here Again" comes from your love of 1920s American show music. "That's Entertainment" is from your love of Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire films. The obscure one is that "New(ish) Kid On The Block" is of course the name of your favourite pop act, rather than a song itself. Do I win a prize? :-)

Or is it The Jam (That's Entertainment), Slade (Mama Weer All Crazee Now), Queen (Another One Bites The Dust) and errr one other? Actually there's a few album titles in there as well - Slade Alive (Slade), No Smoke Without Fire (Wishbone Ash). No, I'm stuck on the last one as I'm sure you didn't mean "Happy Days Are Here Again" as above.
29/10/2009 11:32:59

Taff said ...

Very good Badger, correct on all so far. I'll give you a hint - the one you're missing is a Hawkwind track...
29/10/2009 11:44:02

Taff said ...

To obscure for you then? :) The missing track is Hawkwind's 'Seven by Seven'. That's all for now, pop-pickers!
30/10/2009 10:49:29

Badger said ...

It was definitely too obscure. I had a sneaky Wikipedia look up and found it, but as it's a track I don't know by them, then I felt I'd be cheating if I claimed to know the answer. Though if you can get Masters of the Universe or Psychedelic Warlords into any of your blog titles I'll be impressed. :)
30/10/2009 11:04:35

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